Germany’s conservative leader Friedrich Merz has announced a deal with the Social Democrats to form a new government, five months after the previous one collapsed. The agreement sends a strong signal to Germans and the EU that they will have a capable and action-oriented government.
Merz, who is set to become chancellor, promised to reform and stabilize Germany, focusing on migration, the economy, and defense. He aims to revive economic competitiveness and fulfill defense commitments, which were under pressure due to US President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs.
The new government will focus on controlling irregular migration and imposing border controls to address concerns of voters. Merz also plans to increase defense spending and boost military strength, aiming for a “Swedish model” of voluntary military service.
Despite his party’s loss in an opinion poll, Merz is confident that the coalition deal will be approved by their parties and they can start work early next month. The new government will feature mostly new names, but Boris Pistorius, the outgoing Social Democrat defense minister, will remain in post.
The grand coalition agreement marks the fifth since World War II, with the goal of providing a stable and effective government for Germany. However, critics like Sahra Wagenknecht on the populist left argue that it offers no solution to Germany’s economic crisis or trade war.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2xxd4v6dzo